What You Need to Know About the Crime of Burglary in Illinois 

 Posted on March 25, 2024 in Criminal Defense

Burglary, a crime that strikes at the heart of safety and security, is a serious offense that can have long-lasting consequences for those convicted of the crime. In Illinois, burglary laws are designed to protect individuals and property from unauthorized entry and theft. 

Understanding the particulars of burglary laws in Illinois is essential for anyone seeking to navigate the legal system, especially if you are facing charges. Remember, contacting a criminal defense lawyer is important to ensure your rights are safeguarded through the criminal process if you are facing burglary charges. 

At Law Office of Philip R. Nathe, our long experience representing Illinoisans charged with various crimes makes our firm the very best in defending clients against serious criminal charges like burglary. As a former Assistant State's Attorney, Attorney Nathe has a strong understanding of criminal law from both sides. As a result, those facing charges can trust that when they hire our firm, they will get our full effort and attention no matter how big or small their case is.

Definition and Elements of Burglary in Illinois 

Burglary in Illinois is defined as unlawfully entering a building, vehicle, or other structure with the intent to commit a felony or theft inside. The key elements of burglary include the act of unauthorized entry and the intent to commit a crime once inside. It is important to understand that the prosecutor must prove both of these elements to get a conviction.

Levels of Burglary and Penalties in Illinois 

While burglary is categorized into different classes based on the crime's circumstances, it will always be a felony in Illinois. For example, when someone breaks into a person's residence, this is referred to as residential burglary and is considered a Class 1 felony. Meanwhile, burglary involving a business or vehicle is regarded as a Class 3 felony. 

Please understand that you can still be charged with burglary even if you do not literally break in. Instead, the standard is whether the entry was lawful or not. Even if someone leaves their window wide open, you can still face burglary charges if you lack permission to enter.

As with the majority of felonies, burglary convictions can result in serious jail time, expensive fines, and the classification of a convicted felon, all of which can have various consequences on one's professional and personal life. This is why it is so important to hire an aggressive criminal defense attorney to fight the charges. 

Contact Our Naperville, IL Burglary Defense Attorneys

Make no mistake: burglary is a serious felony that has severe consequences for those convicted. Contact the skilled Naperville, IL burglary defense lawyers with Law Office of Philip R. Nathe to fight the burglary charges you currently face. Call 630-416-7600 for a free consultation.